Experiences of spiritual struggles among Filipino religious seminarians
Abstract/Summary
This study explored the consequences of spiritual struggles among Filipino religious seminarians. For this purpose, the study employed consensual qualitative research (CQR) method. Using the modified negative religious coping scale (NRCOPE), 12 participants were recruited for the study. These 12 participants belonged to 6 different religious congregations from Quezon City, Manila. Findings of the study reveal that spiritual struggles for the seminarians are a part of their quest for God. Since their life is a constant search for God spiritual struggles are inseparable and inevitable part of their life. The seminarians incessant search for God, life in the community with fellow seminarians, unacceptable events that happen around play a significant role in the emergence of spiritual struggles. Spiritual struggles affect the way the seminarians, think, feel, and behave in the religious community where they live and in the seminary where they study. Spiritual struggles also have the inherent capacity for positive emotions, spiritual growth and transformation. Supportive role of social network like group members, family and friends, confessor, spiritual director play a significant role in empowering seminarians to cope with spiritual struggles. The seminarians perceptions and interpretations of struggles play a significant role in determining the outcomes of the spiritual struggles. The seminarians active involvement in spiritual activities plays a significant role in helping them cope during spiritual struggles. Based on the findings of this study the researcher has developed an intervention programme, proposed implications for counseling theory and practice and made recommendations for future research.
